A man armed with a handgun was fatally shot by police in Ontario on Sunday, May 5, after threatening the family of his ex-girlfriend and leading authorities on a pursuit that resulted in a crash, killing one uninvolved motorist and injuring another, police said.
The motorist was identified by the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office as Amanda E. Powers, 44, of Ontario.
Around 10:30 a.m., a 911 caller reported that his sister’s ex-boyfriend was outside their residence in the 400 block of Maple Street threatening to come inside the home unless the sister went outdoors, said Ontario police Sgt. Joseph Estrada.
The man, identified by the Coroner’s Office as Orlando M. Roman, 39, of San Bernardino was sitting inside his vehicle when officers arrived and refused to get out.
“We learned he has a history of domestic violence involving a gun with the sister, and had a warrant out for his arrest,” Estrada said.
Authorities attempted to negotiate with Roman for about 30 minutes before he fled in his vehicle, eventually leading onto the 60 Freeway, where Roman drove against opposing traffic. He then left the freeway and crashed into oncoming traffic at Grove Avenue and Philadelphia Street, injuring motorists in two other vehicles, police said.
Roman then unsuccessfully attempted to carjack another motorist before fleeing on foot, police said.
At least one officer then shot the suspect, who was still armed with the handgun, Estrada said.
Roman was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Estrada confirmed that Roman was the suspect.
The two victims injured in the traffic collision were also taken to a hospital, where Powers died.
The shooting was being investigated by police alongside the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office.
Authorities asked anyone with information about the case to call Ontario police at 909-986-6711.
Staff Writer Brian Rokos contributed to this story.
